The 1864 Warwick Race Trophy
Designed by Pierre-Emille Jeannest
The Warwick Race Trophy
A Victorian Parcel-Gilt Figural Trophy Centrepiece depicting King Charles I
Birmingham, 1864 Maker’s mark of Elkington & Co

Height: 41cm, 16.1 in and with base 62.5cm, 24.6 in Weight:  6,033.4 g, 194oz.

Nestled in the heart of Warwickshire, Warwick Racecourse is more than just a venue for horse racing; it’s a historical landmark where the thrill of the sport meets the excitement of betting. With a history spanning over three centuries, this iconic racecourse has been a focal point for horse racing enthusiasts, offering not only a spectacle of races but also a dynamic betting scene.
 
The origins of Warwick Racecourse date back to 1694, establishing it as a key player in the early days of British horse racing. This period was not just about the races; it also marked the beginning of organized betting, adding an extra layer of excitement to the sport. The 18th century saw Warwick solidify its reputation as a premier horse racing venue, attracting a growing number of spectators eager to partake in the thrill of the race and the wager.
 
During the 19th century, Warwick Racecourse experienced a surge in popularity, thanks in part to the introduction of prestigious events like the Warwick Gold Cup. This era also witnessed an evolution in the betting landscape, with the racecourse becoming a hub for both racing and wagering enthusiasts.
 
This week’s Director’s Choice looks at the extraordinary Warwick Race Trophy of 1864. Designed by Pierre-Emille Jeannest under the watchful eye of George Richards Elkington, director of the great firm of electro-platers and manufacturing silversmiths Elkington & Co.

Naturalistically modelled, with King Charles I sat atop a rearing stallion, with one hand grasping the reigns the other the hilt of a sword, dressed in a cloak emblazoned with the star of the Order of the Garter, the figure is flanked to the left by a kneeing figure of Sir Richard Shuckburgh looking with his hand resting on the hilt of his sword and the other holding his feathered cap down in salute, and to the right flanking the central figure is a hound with head tilted upwards, all on a naturalistic muddy base with tree stump, all raised on an ebonised stepped base with a silver plated plaque with two armorial shields, engraved with presentation inscription:
‘Test of Loyalty Warwick Races 1864 Won by East Lancashire’

The Warwick race committee between 1851-1856 had a history of commissioning trophy's related with the history of Warwickshire, such as the Warwick Cup for the 1853 races which depicted Queen Henrietta Maria and Prince Rupert of the Rhine at Edge Hill, there were also trophies depicting Elizabeth I entering Knebworth Castle and Charles I at Edgehill. These trophies were all supplied by Elkington and designed by the sculptor Pierre-Emile Jeannest. The present trophy falls into that earlier tradition and depicts Charles I at the eve of the Battle of Edgehill knighting Richard Shuckburgh a royalist supporter. The battle of Edgehill was a battle in the English Civil war fought in South Warwickshire, the battle was an inconclusive one and only elongated the Civil war.
The Warwick Race Trophy 1853 - Queen Henrietta Maria and Prince Rupert of the Rhine at Edge Hill

The arms are the Royal Stuart arms of Charles I in dexter emparlée with the arms of the Shuckburgh family of Shuckburgh Hall, Lower Shuckburgh, Warwickshire in sinister.